In 1985, Philadelphia police - at the behest of Mayor W. Wilson Goode Sr. -- dropped a military-grade explosive on a residential building to end a standoff with Black liberation group, MOVE. The resulting fire caused by the C-4 bomb destroyed many buildings, and set a new standard for institutionalized violence: 11 people, including 5 children were killed. TARGET: PHILADELPHIA explores the rise of police militarization within the parallel contexts of Black nationalism and the systemic disenfranchisement that incubates movements like Black Lives Matter. Interviewees include Jannie Blackwell, a seven-term West Philly councilwoman, members of MOVE, including Mike Africa Jr., Jerry Ford Africa, Birdie Africa, Ramona Africa and Mo Africa, Omali Yeshitela, founder of founder of the Uhuru Movement, an African Internationalist organization and Dr. Dr. Will Guzmán, a noted scholar of African/African American history and culture.
6.8
Fair
Video - 6.2
Audio - 6
Movie - 7.9
Special Features - 7.1
Target Philadelphia is a quick documentary about the Philadelphia PD bombing the MOVE HQ. In 1985, the Philly police dropped a C4 bomb on a rundown tenement. The result killed a bunch of kids and people who had nothing to do with what was going on. No one wanted to take responsibility until activists had to push back. The ties to BLM are there, but it comes in at the end.
The Indiepix DVD comes with a trailer and introduction from the director as the special features. While this is the second part in Sean Slater’s Target series, I would like to see an attempt to revisit this material and go deeper. There are so many dark and seedy aspects of recent American history that get swept under the rug. I’d recommend a purchase.
Troy Anderson is the Owner/Editor-in-Chief of AndersonVision. He uses a crack team of unknown heroes to bring you the latest and greatest in Entertainment News.
